If you’ve harboured thoughts of stepping out on the Coast Path to tackle that scenic stretch you’ve always wanted to experience, then now’s the time to put that plan into action.

Great British Life: Stunning views of Porlock Weir can be experienced from the Coast Path. Photo Andreas ByrneStunning views of Porlock Weir can be experienced from the Coast Path. Photo Andreas Byrne (Image: sub)

The South West Coast Path Challenge is a new fundraising event taking place throughout October, which aims to get people to walk or run anywhere from one mile to 100 miles or more, in a bid to set a world record for the number of times the Coast Path can be covered in one month.

It can be any type of challenge, whether it’s someone’s first Coast Path walk with family and friends, or a hike to the most southerly, westerly or highest points on the Path, every mile counts.

TV adventurer Monty Halls has got behind the Challenge concept and accepted the honour of becoming Patron of the South West Coast Path Association and says:“Some of my happiest memories have been out running or walking the South West Coast Path, which snakes right past my house in Dartmouth.

“The Coast Path for me is my salvation. The quiet bays and coves offer a real haven and it’s a great way to get into nature.

“It’s one of the most magical trails in Europe, certainly in terms of its wildlife and terrain.”

This event will help raise much needed funds for the Coast Path, which costs at least £1,000 per mile each year just to keep it open and accessible to the public.

The National Trust owns 185 miles of the South West Coast Path, almost a third of the entire trail. It costs the National Trust an additional £2000 per mile to care for the coastal strip that surrounds the Coast Path and maintain the stunning coastal scenery enjoyed by millions of visitors to its coastal properties every year.

The South West Coast Path Association is leading the Challenge in partnership with the National Trust as part of this year’s 50th anniversary celebrations of the Neptune Coastline Campaign. Together, the Association and National Trust’s coastal properties in the South West challenge you to take part in October to raise funds for improvements and repairs to the beautiful Coast Path.

What will your challenge be?

Create your own Challenge of one mile, five miles or 100 miles or join one of four organised 10-mile Challenge events including:

Minehead to Porlock Weir, 3 October

The official start of the South West Coast Path sets off from the seaside town of Minehead before taking in the wild and rugged Exmoor scenery along the highest coastline in England.

Gunwalloe to Lizard Point, 10 October

This walk along the Lizard peninsula takes in the world famous Kynance Cove before reaching the most southerly point of the UK, a renowned breeding ground, the Cornish Chough.

Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre, 24 October

Britain’s Ocean City reveals a wealth of historic maritime heritage from a restored naval base at Royal William Yard to the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail.

Durlston Country Park and Castle to South Haven Point, 31 October

Take a walk through time along this iconic stretch of the Jurassic coast World Heritage Site, taking in Old Harry’s Rocks before reaching the official finishing point of the South West Coast Path at South Haven Point.

All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk.

Register to take part at southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630